The Seven Ravens

Bohdanka learns that her family's tragedy lies in a curse that turned seven of her brothers into ravens. The secret has been hidden for years by her baker parents. Realizing the stakes, she vows to find a way to break the curse and bring her brothers back.

The local witch explains the impossible task Bohdanka must complete to save her brothers: weave their shirts alone, using nettle, spin the thread, weave the cloth, and stitch every seam without uttering a single word. She must do all of this entirely by herself, without outside help. The vow tests not only her skill but also her resolve.

Bohdanka leaves her familiar world to seek a way to free her brothers. The journey tests her endurance as she travels across the countryside, facing loneliness, danger, and moments of doubt. She carries the weight of the vow and the hope of returning her brothers to human form.

Along her journey Bohdanka meets Prince Bartoloměj, a shy, stuttering heir. Their initial acquaintance is tentative, and trust grows slowly between them. The encounter marks the start of a fragile companionship that becomes central to the quest.

The witch lends Bohdanka a magic comb that lets her gather fragments of the past without speaking. With it, she glimpses the sadness behind Bartoloměj's kingdom and learns how long the throne has been challenged by secrets. The comb becomes a key tool in understanding her ally and his people.

Bartoloměj brings Bohdanka to the royal castle, and she is exposed to life at court under Queen Alexandra's watch. Bohdanka sees both the grandeur and the undercurrents of intrigue that threaten the prince and her own presence there. The revelation of the court's machinations foreshadows the conflict to come.

Queen Alexandra reveals a calculated plan to strip Bartoloměj of his throne and turn the court against Bohdanka. At first she feigns happiness for the couple's betrothal, then tightens her grip with lies and manipulation. Bohdanka senses the danger but cannot yet expose the plot.

As the danger deepens, Bohdanka must choose between finishing the task and revealing the truth with words. The magic comb helps her see enough of the past to understand Alexandra's true aims, but speaking could ruin everything and separate her from Bartoloměj. She decides to continue weaving, keeping her vow despite the risk.

Bohdanka completes weaving the shirts entirely on her own and, with the vow fulfilled, frees her brothers from their ravens. The moment is a perilous culmination of her perseverance and self-discipline. The siblings are restored and begin the long reunion with their parents.

Only after the task is completed does Bohdanka reveal everything, and the truth about Alexandra's illegitimate hold on the throne comes to light. The mask of lies falls away, showing the queen's deceit and the rightful path to power. The court begins to reorient around this new reality.

With the plot exposed and Bohdanka's vow kept, Bartoloměj is recognized as king and begins to lead his realm with renewed legitimacy. The people witness a fresh vision for the kingdom, guided by honesty and courage. The crown passes to a ruler who has learned from his trials.

Queen Alexandra is exiled from the realm, her power stripped by the new leadership. Bohdanka's brothers are finally reunited with their long-suffering parents, and the family begins to rebuild their lives. The last remnants of the curse and secrecy fade as forgiveness and understanding take root.

Fragments of the past finally fit together to reveal each character's true motives. The story closes on a note of reconciliation, with Bartoloměj as king, Alexandra exiled, and Bohdanka standing as a symbol of perseverance.